Guatemala Our country derives its name from the Nahuatl word "Quauhtlemallan", meaning "place of many trees." Such as ours, taking into account the many benefits trees provide us with their fruits, leaves, roots, branches, stems, seeds, etc. Unfortunately, today we are in a country ruled by destruction of mother nature and life, as evidenced by the indiscriminate felling of trees, irrational exploitation of natural resources and disregard for the lives of women and men killed daily by those who do not feel love and peace sown by Guatemala.
Guatemala, our beautiful country, where diverse cultures live together, but as the ancient trees provide us with all the benefits I mentioned, we have not managed to weave and build that country that reflects our different colors, customs, traditions, work , contributions, struggles and proposals. Since
1821, each September 15 marks the Guatemalan independence from Spain. But it is necessary to clarify that famous September 15, 1821, marked the declaration of independence of the local bourgeoisie of that time, both politically and economically from the English crown. At that September 15, 1821, the natives took advantage of political turmoil that appeared in Spain, in order to position themselves in power and repeat almost exactly the same as did English royalty against the Guatemalan people, whose living conditions have not improved with success of a movement led by the economic elite, because the interests of this group did not care so much political, but what he implied the new commercial ties were able to conclude from your independence.
For indigenous peoples of Guatemala, sorry to say, but that is the context in which independence was proclaimed on September 15 that tomorrow will be commemorated in schools, public institutions and other places where there are organized groups.
When the people of Guatemala wanted to have their own independence and freedom of decision, it was immediately suppressed by those who always handled the political and economic power to its taste and will, in collusion with outside interests such as the United States. I refer to the Revolution of 1944, when Guatemalans of great courage and bravery, gave their lives for a more just and humane.
Nearly a decade later, war broke out between two factions that vied for power for 36 years. Once again, the dead and missing we put indigenous peoples, while the beneficiaries, as well as recorded history, remained the same: the Creoles or at least their descendants.
After the war in Guatemala, and to date, states that we live in a democratic era. However, this democracy has been the law, money, power and ambition for some, while for others who make up the majority of the population has affected injustice poverty, abuse and lack of opportunities. Democracy is a Western product or commodity is still weak for the interests of the majority in Guatemala, since the common welfare longed not yet reached.
Indigenous peoples have our own forms of social, political, economic and cultural. But our independence and freedom for hundreds of years have been suppressed, but not quiet the voices and deeds of our heroes as Tekun Uman, Atanasio Tzul, Lucas Aguilar, Manuel Tot, among others.
Indigenous peoples love Guatemala, in Guatemala we want true freedom and independence for all its children and daughters. Our struggle continues and seeks to integrate the diversity that makes this beautiful land, unique in the world.
September 15 That this is a moment of reflection for all and all Guatemalans to be a day to think about improving the lives of those brothers forgotten by history, it is a time to join together to express and reconsider the construction of a people more united in its diversity. That is the true independence and freedom you need to Guatemala for their children and grandchildren can have a decent life in peace and harmony.
Iximulew, Wuqub 'Batz' / Guatemala, September 14, 2010
Wakatel Utiw / Cirilo Perez Oxlaj Ambassador-Indigenous
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